Torino vs Carrarese – News and Probable Lineups

After making it to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals in the previous season, Torino is set to return to competitive play on Saturday, facing Carrarese in the initial round of this year’s tournament.

The five-time winners of Italy’s national cup—last triumphing in 1993—are expected to advance past their Serie B rivals on their home field.

Match overview

Torino advanced to last year’s Coppa Italia quarter-finals by defeating Modena, Pisa, and Roma, only to fall 2-1 to the eventual champions, Inter de Milão.

This journey was one of the few highlights in an otherwise challenging season, where interim manager Roberto D’Aversa managed to improve the situation and ensure their safety from relegation.

On the last matchday, a draw in the Turin derby against Juventus secured Torino’s 12th-place finish, confirming their mid-table status while denying their city rivals a chance for Champions League qualification.

Nevertheless, finishing with the second-worst defensive record in the league has left new head coach Ignazio Abate with significant challenges to address over the summer.

After triumphing over Burnley in early August, his squad recently achieved victories against third-tier Vado and Serie B side Avellino during their final pre-season matches, generating some positive momentum.

The next challenge is securing a home match in the second round of the Coppa, where Torino could face either Monza or Avellino should they win this weekend.

While the Granata have enjoyed past success with the trophy and occasionally reached advanced stages, Carrarese frequently struggles to clear the first round.

After a 3-1 defeat to Cagliari in 2024, the Tuscan side was eliminated by Udinese this time last year, before eventually finishing mid-table in Serie B.

Originating from a town known for producing legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, the Giallazzurri have been exceeding expectations in recent seasons.

Since their surprising success in the Serie C playoffs two years ago, they have achieved consecutive 12th-place finishes in Italy’s second division.

Promotion-winning manager Antonio Calabro has recently been replaced by former Crawley Town coach Gabriele Cioffi, who will face a tough challenge in his first competitive match in Turin.

Team News

Although Abate may prioritize next week’s Serie A opener at home against his former club AC Milan, some of Torino’s new acquisitions are likely to feature.

Recent signing Kian Fitz-Jim from Ajax could make his debut, alongside defenders Pietro Comuzzo and Eray Comert.

Alessio Cacciamani, who impressed while on loan at Juve Stabia last season, is also a candidate to start.

Giovanni Simeone, Che Adams, and Sandro Kulenovic are all competing for a place in the starting attack, while fellow striker Pietro Pellegri remains sidelined due to injury.

Carrarese is also under new leadership, with Cioffi expected to employ his preferred 3-5-2 formation this weekend.

Key defender Simone Zanon has recently departed for Pisa, but Juventus loanee Jonas Rouhi has extended his loan and could start on the left for the visitors.

Fabio Abiuso is likely to lead the attack, receiving support from Fiorentina-owned teenager Tommaso Rubino.

Torino probable starting XI:

Mascardi; Comuzzo, Comert, Ismajli; Pedersen, Oristanio, Fitz-Jim, Cacciamani; Vlasic; Adams, Kulenovich

Carrarese probable starting XI:

Bleve; Ruggeri, Oliana, Imperiale; Guercio, Parlanti, Schiavi, Melegoni, Rouhi; Rubino, Abiuso

Torino not only enjoys home advantage and a more talented squad, but they also appear to be responding positively to new manager Abate.

Having made astute signings and winning the majority of their pre-season fixtures, the Granata are expected to comfortably progress past Carrarese into the next round.